Nayab

Nayab asked Chris Bohjalian:

When did you realize that you wanted to express your creativity and knowledge through writing? Was it encouraged by others? What creative expressions (e.g. art, dance, media, music) have you tried in the past, present or future to express your creativity through?

Chris Bohjalian Oh, I knew I wanted to be a novelist from a very young age. I was writing hideous one and two page short stories in the second grade: Tales of disembodied hands emerging from wishing wells and sibling rivalry on the school safety patrol.

I have zero talent in art, dance, and music. Zip, zero, nada.

And so while I was often in the middle school and high school plays, it was usually because no one else in the student body wanted the part.

And, yes, my parents were always very supportive of my writing.

Thanks for asking!

More Answered Questions

Sarah

Sarah asked Chris Bohjalian:

I loved your novel, THE NIGHT STRANGERS. It caused me to go out an buy a whole stack of your work, which (sorry) are all sitting next to my bed in my to read pile. I swear I'll get to them all! Do you have any advice for anyone trying to make it in the writing world?

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Chris Bohjalian:

I hope you don't mind but I used you in a conversation about a Hitler biography with a fellow Goodreads member. I was trying to point out that Hitler was not the sole believer in genocide. That there were many other occurrences throughout history. Have you considered writing an actual nonfiction account of the Armenian Genocide or is there one already in existence that you would recommend?

Beth

Beth asked Chris Bohjalian:

Chris, I have so enjoyed your work starting with your crushingly beautiful Sandcastle Girls, that I am hoping to get to Warwick. I actually have never been to a book event. What can I expect? Will you be reading? Is it better for me to read the book in its entirety? Your generosity noted below, kind of creates a small village around your books and reading in general. Cliche but much appreciated! Beth

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Chris Bohjalian

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